The hunt for the mystery fish was a total bust, but Cassandra was able to collect several varieties of cookies. Each was carefully packaged and labelled by type and which bakery they came from. With any luck, they would all pass Keane’s test and she would be able to enjoy them soon.

  When they made it to the hotel, not only were Alois and the rest of her group waiting for them, Madoc was there as well. The merchant had joined the rest of her party as if it was only natural and was in a deep discussion with Alois about the best commercial routes along the coastline. Keane practically jumped up from the couch he was sitting on when he saw Cassandra and Wayde come in.

  "What did you find out?" he demanded.

  "I didn't do any specific research but there is something I found suspicious," Cassandra offered, closing the distance to the group, "Bakeries, restaurants, and most of the other food stalls around the market were suffering because all the locals only want to eat one thing and it is too expensive to process."

  "That is suspicious. Do you know what it is?" Keane asked.

  "Unfortunately, the only thing I have heard is that it is some kind of fish," Cassandra admitted.

  "At least it is a start," Keane muttered, "I will have to look into it more."

  Cassandra took out her new collection of cookies. "Could you check these for me before we leave tomorrow morning? I want to try the local cookies."

  "I will make sure they are safe," Keane promised, taking the cookies.

  "If it is fish you are looking for, I might have an idea," Madoc broke in, clearly having been listening into the conversation, "I was asked to consider supplying a new fish to the mainland. They promised to prepare me a sample to help me make up my mind."

  Keane frowned. "You should avoid eating that. That fish might be behind the disease that has been spreading through the seaport."

  Madoc narrowed his eyes and observed Keane for a few moments before relaxing. "If it is from Tethia's young medical genius, I will take your word for it," he decided, "I will hold off on this fish, but I expect to be updated about your progress."

  Alois grimaced in frustration, glaring around at anyone who might be listening in. "We never should have stopped here," he muttered, "I don't have time to get mixed up in this mess."

  "We will leave tomorrow as planned," Caleb assured, "Even if we return after, you won't have to come with us."

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  “From the looks of things we really will have to return later,” Cassandra muttered.

  “Not necessarily,” Keane broke in, “This was a task assigned to myself and Autumn. Unless the situation becomes serious enough for me to request backup, you getting involved will only lower my own credit. I don’t want to see any of you until after you finish everything you were planning to do in the first place.”

  In other words, he wanted them to take their time and not worry about him. Keane had a habit of using harsher words when he really cared. Still, he seemed to manage to treat Autumn gently. The two of them hadn’t fought even once since their magical bond had been formed. Still, since Keane was right, Cassandra saw no need to argue.

  After a meal, one decidedly lacking in the seafood one would normally enjoy at a seaport, everyone split off into their separate rooms. Caleb, Alois, and Wayde made arrangements with Cassandra for their departure the next morning over jabber jewel. With Madoc at their table, it had been impossible to discuss their destination. Luckily it wasn’t far, so they should arrive by the afternoon if they left early enough. Cassandra was looking forward to seeing what kind of place Yuki would call home.

  ==========

  “I’m quite disappointed to hear you already had dinner,” the snakelike head of the Cano family said the moment Madoc Bell answered his summons that evening.

  "I wasn't aware we had plans tonight," Madoc replied, "If you had informed me in advance, I would have made sure to wait for you."

  Now that he was at the Cano Manor, Madoc could completely understand why Alois was so eager to avoid the place. He had long since known it was a family full of snakes, but now that he was there in person he could tell it was far worse than he had originally thought. There was something especially unsettling about Master Cano's other guest. On first glance she appeared to be a normal girl, but Madoc could tell there was something off about her. If there could be such a thing as a living curse, this girl might be one.

  "Did I not invite you to try our new specialty?" Master Cano pointed out, "I suppose it is my fault for not specifying the time and place."

  "You did, but as part of business," Madoc replied, "I still haven't made my decision yet."

  "How can you, if you don't know what you are deciding on?" the Head of Cano told him, "Please at least take a look at the product."

  While Madoc had no intention of agreeing to eat it, getting a look at what he was dealing with would be a good idea so Madoc agreed. The fish that he was presented had dark purple-red flesh like a beet and unnervingly vibrant blue skin. It was only a filet, but it was clear that the fish wasn't one of the normal variety.

  “I would say, based on the appearance alone, the marketability isn’t very high,” Madoc warned, “It will be difficult to convince potential buyers to try it, even if we offer samples for free. Rumors that it is the most delicious fish won’t be enough to make such a risky venture worth it. Not to mention the trouble involved in transporting fresh food.”

  “I did hear that you have been wary to enter the fresh food trade, but preserved goods won’t get you very far,” Master Cano said, “Please think it over carefully.”

  “I will,” Madoc promised, but avoided any attempts for them to trick him into eating the fish. He did accept taking the sample back with him. Perhaps that young medical genius would enjoy a present.